It’s no secret in the real estate world that the more attractive your home looks to potential buyers, the more likely it will be to sell quickly and for a good price. So, obviously, you want to do everything you can to ensure your home “shows” well.

But before you invest in a major renovation or other costly improvements – which may not be necessary – consider these low-cost tips first.

Paint. This is the easiest and most cost-effective way to make a room or other area of your home look bright and new.

Potted flowers. Flowers always brighten up a space. And if they’re potted, you can place them anywhere – in the foyer, outside the front door, even on the back deck.

New mats. Mats get worn and stained so easily. Place new mats at all entranceways.

Obvious repairs. A squeaky fence gate. A dripping faucet. A broken floor tile. People notice. Get these repaired.

Upgraded lighting. Improve the lighting in key areas of your home, such as the basement, which tends to be darker.

These tips won’t cost much and are relatively easy to implement. Yet, they can have a dramatic affect on how well your home shows.